<p>GABA_B receptor activation ameliorates spatial memory impairments in stress-exposed rats</p>

Abstract

Objective: Due to the prevalence of stress in modern life and its impact on spatial memory, the role of inhibitory systems in brain areas such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in reducing stress is important. The current study aimed to examine the response of NAc shell GABA B receptors to stress and the role of intraperitoneally (i.p.) and intra-NAc injection of the GABA B receptor agonist baclofen on spatial memory impairments in stress-exposed rats. Methods: Eighty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into ten groups (n=8): two were control groups for intra-NAc and i.p baclofen; two groups were subjected to stress and injected with saline (baclofen vehicle); three groups were given baclofen (1, 5, and 10 µg/rat) intra-NAc 5 mins before stress was induced; and three groups received baclofen (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/i.p.) 30 mins before being subjected to stress. Foot-shock stress was applied for 7 consecutive days. Behavioral assays using the Barnes maze were performed 24 hrs after the last baclofen injection. Results: Both the intra-NAc and the i.p administration of baclofen dose-dependently reduced escape latency and total distance and increased velocity in the treatment groups in the training trials. In the probe test, the rats that had received 5 mg/kg of baclofen had the highest target frequency, but there no significant differences were observed in velocity, duration, or distance to the target between the groups. Conclusion: According to the findings, baclofen can dose-dependently improve spatial memory, and GABA B receptor in the NAc plays an important role in spatial memory.

A comparative study of scopolamine, D-Galactose and AlCl3-induced Alzheimer’s like disease by enhancing hippocampal neurodegeneration and memory impairment in male rats

“…The maze and escape box were cleaned with 60% alcohol after each rat was tested. Based on the techniques previously used by other researchers, the experimental design was developed (Sahraei et al, 2019). Latency time and time spent to reach the target zone were documented during the acquisition phase and the probe phase, respectively.…”

Keeping the Balance: GABAB Receptors in the Developing Brain and Beyond

“…Overexpression of KCTD12 in the dentate gyrus increased stress vulnerability, while downregulation could reverse stress-induced social avoidance [164], indicating that auxiliary proteins may play a crucial role in modulation of GABA B R-mediated effects. Furthermore, activation of GABA B Rs in the nucleus accumbens can improve spatial memory in stress-exposed rats [165].…”

Neuroplasticity and Multilevel System of Connections Determine the Integrative Role of Nucleus Accumbens in the Brain Reward System

“…Additionally, the GABA-ergic system in NAc is involved in alleviating the effects of stress and emotions. Activation of the GABABRs in NAc ameliorates spatial memory impairment after stress exposition [116], and exerts an anxiolytic effect in the rat model of stress [117]. Another function of GABAARs in NAc, together with the D1R and D2R, is modulation of motor activity, which also involves extensive reciprocal connections and cooperation with other basal ganglia nuclei [118].…”